Rakhi Sawant says She would love to join Pakistani reality show Tamasha

BIRMINGHAM: American R&B star Usher has addressed the viral on-stage moment from his Nashville concert, making a lighthearted remark during his latest performance in Birmingham, Alabama. While interacting with fans, the singer joked that anyone who was not willing to participate should avoid coming on stage, a comment widely seen as a playful reference to the Nashville incident that sparked widespread discussion on social media. The earlier moment went viral after Usher ended a signature audience interaction when a fan appeared uncomfortable during the performance. The fan, later identified as Gabrielle Cheyenne, later explained that she had not rejected Usher personally. Instead, she had hoped to be invited on stage by fellow performer Chris Brown after unexpectedly receiving a VIP seat upgrade. During the Birmingham concert, Usher invited another audience member on stage, and the interaction was met with enthusiasm, drawing cheers from the crowd and helping put the previous controversy behind him. The Nashville incident generated millions of views online, with fans debating the misunderstanding. However, the singer’s humorous response during his latest show signalled that he had moved on from the viral moment. Usher and Chris Brown are currently touring together across the United States, with their joint R&B tour continuing through the summer and attracting large audiences at every stop.

KARACHI: Actor Sanam Saeed has spoken out in support of Durefishan Saleem after the latter faced criticism on social media over her accent and dialogue delivery in the drama Dar-e-Nijaat. The debate began after a scene featuring Durefishan, who plays Zaryab, gained attention online. In the scene, her character speaks to Zamil, played by Nameer Nawaz Khan, using a combination of Urdu and English. Some social media users criticised the actor’s accent and delivery, while others questioned the way certain lines were written and performed. Saeed criticised what she described as excessive online backlash against actors. She said repeatedly targeting a performer over the way they speak could be hurtful and unnecessary. Her comments prompted further discussion among viewers, with many users agreeing that actors should not be subjected to personal attacks over performance-related issues. Several viewers defended Durefishan and said her accent did not negatively affect the scene. They argued that criticism should focus on the overall performance rather than becoming a personal attack. However, some users maintained that dialogue delivery is an important part of acting. They argued that an actor’s accent and pronunciation can influence how effectively a script reaches the audience. Others said their criticism was directed at the writing and execution of the scene rather than Durefishan personally. They described such feedback as part of normal discussion surrounding television performances. The online debate has once again highlighted the growing influence of social media on television dramas. Performances, dialogue and even actors’ accents can quickly become topics of public discussion after scenes are shared online. Saeed’s comments have also sparked a broader conversation about the difference between constructive criticism and personal attacks on performers. Durefishan has established herself as a prominent name in Pakistan’s television industry. She gained widespread recognition through Ishq Murshid, where she appeared opposite Bilal Abbas Khan

British actor and activist Jameela Jamil has defended her recent comments about Ariana Grande’s appearance, saying her remarks were motivated by concern over beauty standards rather than criticism of the singer. Responding to backlash on Instagram, Jamil cited her own experience with anorexia and argued that discussions about the impact of celebrity imagery on young audiences should not be dismissed. Jamil had previously faced criticism after suggesting that Grande could be “possibly dying,” a comment that many social media users viewed as inappropriate. Addressing the backlash, the actress clarified that she had intentionally used the word “possibly” and insisted that her broader concern was the influence such images can have on girls and women. She wrote: “I said possibly. My god. And my point stands, that this is deeply irresponsible for all the people involved to deliver this aesthetic as glamorous to the many billions of girls and women consuming this imagery.” Jamil went on to explain that her views are shaped by her own struggle with anorexia, revealing that she nearly lost her life to the eating disorder. She said it was only through intervention from those around her that she was able to recover. Reflecting on her experience, she stated: “I feel extremely bad for Ariana having almost died of anorexia myself. And it was only due to the people around me intervening INSENSITIVELY once I willfully ignored (and sort of enjoyed) their careful concern, that I survived.” The actor acknowledged that she does not know Grande personally and stressed that she hopes the singer is healthy. At the same time, she argued that conversations about body image should focus on the impression such appearances leave on younger audiences. She wrote: “I don’t know Ariana and pray she recovers. I don’t think she’s in the comments sections of tiny posts, but young girls watching are, and we need to signal to THEM that this is not the time to pretend this is ok, just because ‘we shouldn’t talk about other people’s bodies.’” Jamil also referred to late American singer Karen Carpenter, whose battle with anorexia raised global awareness of eating disorders. She argued that society should not ignore potentially harmful beauty standards simply because they involve famous public figures. She said: “We do not pretend then that it is not appropriate to comment on how thin they are. We don’t have to pretend we are blind because it’s a pop star. Everyone is killing her by normalizing this. Silence is complicity when it gets this far.” Her comments have generated mixed reactions online. While some users praised Jamil for speaking openly about eating disorders and their impact, others argued that public speculation about another person’s health can be harmful, regardless of the intention. The discussion comes shortly after Ariana Grande announced an indefinite break from public-facing work following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine tour. Grande herself has not publicly responded to Jamil’s remarks, leaving the debate to continue across social media as fans and commentators discuss the balance between raising awareness of eating disorders and respecting personal boundaries.